Sewanhaka Indians senior and wide receiver Jacques Francios has one goal every time he steps out on the football field; to get better each week.
“I always try to better myself. Each game I look to get better,” said Francios. “I don’t pinpoint a key moment [individual performance] cause I always want to do better.”
Francios came into the season as the most accoladed player on the Indians, winning an All-Conference award last year.
“If we had a better record, he would have been All-County,” said head coach George Kasimatis. “He won it as a junior though which is a pretty big accomplishment.”
“It was a nice achievement,” said Francios. “Of course I hope to win another.”
Kasimatis certainly believes that he will, despite where the team finishes this season.
“This season he should get accolades no matter what,” he said.
Francios has been playing football since he was 5 years old and started out as a running back. He switched to wide receiver in 10th-grade, when he became a member of the Indians.
According to Kasimatis, Francios has taken the transformation to wide receiver in stride.
“His skill set would be his speed, he can jump and catch anything. His offensive skill set is incredible,” Kasimatis said. “He can adjust to a ball better then anyone I have ever seen. He makes Jake [Mellen], our quarterback, look like a superstar [with his speed]. If he under or over throws him people will think that’s the way it’s suppose to be thrown cause he adjust so smoothly, he makes it look effortless.”
His teammates can count on Francios when the game is on the line.
“When it’s clutch time he’s the guy the defenses focus on. He’s the guy they know is our number one weapon on offense,” said Kasimatis. “He faces double teams on a regular bases.”
Francios hopes to play college football after he graduates in May. However, Kasimatis has high hopes for Francios off the field.
“I want him to understand the value of a good education and go somewhere where he is happy and has a fulfilling life,” he said. “He is the type of guy I can see him coming here down the road with his kids and watching football games.”
While he’s trying to better himself every game, Francios has one other goal this season.
“Make the playoffs and win the big chip,” he says with a smile.
That is certainly possible as the Indians sit at 3-3 and currently hold the sixth seed out of the eight that make the playoffs.
